Bell & Luke’s Relaxed Destination Wedding in Koh Samui, Thailand
My first wedding for 2026—booked 18 months in advance, and one I’ll always remember
Don’t get me wrong, all of my clients hold a special place in my heart. Being invited to celebrate and capture one of the most intimate days of their lives is an honour I never take for granted.
That said, Bell and Luke’s wedding day stood out to me long before it even arrived. They booked me a year and a half in advance, and during our very first call, Bell mentioned they had gotten engaged in Split, Croatia—the city where I was born and lived before moving to Phuket, Thailand. From that moment, I couldn’t help but feel like our paths were always meant to cross.
As I counted down the days to their destination wedding in Koh Samui, little did I know their long-awaited date would fall just one month after the birth of my second child. It was also my very first wedding for 2026, which made the experience feel even more meaningful.
It’s moments like these that remind me just how lucky I am to be living out my passion.
From the UK to Koh Samui: A Destination Wedding Celebration at the Odyssey Mansion
Originally from the UK, Bell and Luke travelled to Thailand for their destination wedding at the Odyssey Mansion in Koh Samui.
Their vision centred around a minimalist, chic colour palette of creamy whites and fresh greens, with a strong emphasis on elegant drapery and organic materials. Perfectly complementing the relaxed beachfront setting for both their ceremony and reception, the soft, billowy fabrics added a sense of modern romance and understated luxury.
Joined by 45 of their loved ones from across the world, their friends and family were incredibly warm and welcoming. It was clear to see how genuinely happy everyone was to be there, and just how deeply they cared for the couple.
I hope you’ll be able to see—and feel—the immense joy and love from their day in the recap below.
Getting Ready for the Day Ahead
Starting the day on a relaxed note, Bell had her hair and makeup done by Polina Pak alongside her three bridesmaids, while Luke got ready separately with his four groomsmen. It was such a sweet, tender moment witnessing Luke receive a surprise gift and handwritten card from Bell, hand-delivered by one of her bridesmaids.
With about an hour before the ceremony began, we captured portraits of the bridal party and groomsmen separately, along with a few special moments with Bell’s family. It was a beautiful way for both Bell and Luke to ease into the day, spending those early moments surrounded by their closest people.
A Tearful Beachfront Ceremony on the Shores of Bangrak Beach
Shortly before the ceremony began in the late afternoon, Luke and his groomsmen welcomed guests as they arrived for drinks in the private courtyard at Odyssey Mansion. While everyone mingled, I slipped away briefly to capture portraits of the ceremony setup on Bangrak Beach before guests made their way down.
Guests were then invited to take their seats as Luke and his brother entered the ceremony together and waited at the altar alongside their celebrant. The bridesmaids made their entrance to “Birds of a Feather” by Billie Eilish, setting a gentle, emotional tone.
Seeing each other for the first time, Bell was escorted down the aisle by her mother to Lana Del Rey’s “Young and Beautiful”—a truly moving moment, with very few dry eyes in the crowd.
Their personal vows made the ceremony deeply heartfelt, filled with both laughter and tears. With the serene ocean stretching out behind them, it felt like time stood still just for them.
Congratulations, Cocktails & Canapés
After signing their marriage certificate, guests gathered to congratulate the newlyweds while enjoying delicious canapés, cocktails, and a live violin performance by Roman Gromov. The atmosphere felt light and full of genuine joy.
Making the most of their statement white draped backdrop, Bell and Luke shared group photos with their bridal party and guests before slipping away for portraits around the villa.
Looking at their portraits, you’d easily assume they were professional models or had done this many times before. They were complete naturals: relaxed, playful, and fully present with each other. Their connection was truly something else.
An Outdoor Beach Reception Featuring a Fire Show & Surprise Pool Jumps
Featuring buttery silks draped across the tables and overhead among the string pendant lights, along with white and green floral centrepieces, the effortless beachfront theme carried beautifully into their reception. Set right on the sandy beach, the scene instantly set the tone for the carefree night ahead. Everything felt incredibly intimate and intentional.
Bell and Luke made an iconic entrance to “One More Time” by Daft Punk, kicking off the celebration by pouring a champagne tower to loud cheers and whistles from their guests. As family and friends shared speeches throughout the courses, I still remember how funny and heartfelt they were—even I caught myself tearing up, unable to wipe the smile off my face.
As part of the celebrations, everyone enjoyed a spectacular fire dance show before Bell and Luke shared their first dance, officially launching the real party. Wrapping up the night on a high note, the Odyssey Mansion team served late-night snacks while guests filled the dancefloor.
But the dancefloor couldn’t contain their excitement for long, with friends and family jumping into the pool—fully clothed, mind you—and it was hilarious to watch. It seriously felt like we were all one big family.
Post-Wedding Questions & Reflections with Bell
1. How did you two meet — and when was the moment you knew Luke would be the person you’d marry one day?
Bell: “We met as teenagers through mutual friends, often at parties, events, and camping trips. Even back then, I always dreamed of being with him one day — a true teenage crush! Our first holiday together was in Thailand with my family. He embraced everything — the culture, the food, and my family — and they loved him too. That’s when I knew.”
2. Did you always plan to have a destination wedding?
Bell: “For as long as I remember, Thailand is my second home & now Luke’s too.”
3. Why did you choose to get married in Koh Samui, Thailand?
Bell: “It was a bit of a toss-up between Phuket & Koh Samui. Ultimately, the venue was the deciding factor! Odyssey Luxury Beachfront Mansion ticked ALL the boxes. Privacy, quiet luxury, beachfront and absolutely stunning!”
4. What were the best or most meaningful decisions you made during your wedding planning journey?
Bell: “We decided to write our own vows, and I’m so glad we did. I spent nine months working on mine because I wanted him to truly understand how much he means to me. Now we get to hold onto those vows alongside the keepsakes from our day.
I also surprised my bridesmaids by choosing a special song for them to walk down the aisle to. They knew the song, and the lyrics really resonated. Now it’s something we share—it’s our song.”
5. If you had to choose just one standout moment from your day — big or small — what would it be and why?
Bell: “By the end of the night, most of our guests were in the pool—fully clothed! It was the funniest way to finish the day and something only a destination wedding could bring.”
6. You booked me 18 months in advance — how did you find me, and what made you choose me as your wedding photographer?
Bell: “After countless hours of searching online, I finally came across you—and I’m so glad I did. Photography was the one thing I wasn’t willing to compromise on, because these are the memories we’ll carry with us forever, allowing us to relive our day again and again.
Your work is truly beautiful—candid, timeless, and full of real, in-the-moment emotion, with an effortless editorial feel. From our very first conversation, we instantly clicked. You’re so warm and friendly, and you made me feel completely at ease. You went above and beyond to stay in touch throughout the whole process, so by the time we met in Thailand, it felt like I’d known you forever.
On the day itself, you made us feel so comfortable in front of the camera. Everything felt easy, fun, and natural.”
7. How did it feel when you first saw your photos?
Bell: “Grateful, overwhelmed, and full of happy tears as we relived our day—every moment beautifully captured, nothing missed.”
8. Out of all the photos, which photo would you most likely print to display in your home?
Bell: “This is the first photo we just sent off to be printed for our home.”
9. Do you have any tips for other couples planning a wedding overseas?
Bell:
“* Pinterest is your go-to for inspiration—perfect for just about everything.
* Take time to research your suppliers: read reviews and explore their work on social media, as you’re trusting them to bring your vision to life.
* Don’t be afraid to be a little selfish—it’s your day, and you can’t please everyone.
* With destination weddings, not everyone you hope will attend as they can’t make it for various reasons, so focus on and appreciate those who are there with you.”
The Sweetest Testimonial from Bell 🥹
“After many hours of research, I finally stumbled across Niko—and from that moment, I just knew. Her work embodied everything I could have ever wished for to capture the biggest day of our lives: our wedding. Her photography is the perfect blend of timeless elegance and effortless beauty, candid, creative, emotional, and deeply storytelling, yet still stylish with an editorial edge. Finding a photographer like Niko truly feels like discovering a rare hidden gem. I was incredibly particular about the style I wanted, and this was the one supplier I simply wasn’t willing to compromise on. I feel so lucky that I found her 18 months before our wedding, especially as she books up quickly during peak season.
From the very beginning, the experience felt so personal. When I first reached out, we had a video call to make sure we were the right fit for each other. I loved that Niko values authenticity and connection—this is so much more than just a job to her. It’s about building something meaningful with the people she works with. The more we spoke, the more grateful I felt to have found her. It genuinely felt like fate.
She went above and beyond in every possible way. From looking through my wedding inspiration and mood boards, to chatting about my dress and getting to know us as a couple—she was so invested in our story. When she shared the wonderful news that she was expecting her baby before our wedding, we were overjoyed for her. But what truly amazed me was her dedication—she travelled from Phuket to Koh Samui just weeks after her baby’s arrival to be there for our day. I was completely blown away by her commitment and felt so incredibly honoured. It’s something I will never, ever forget.
When we finally met in person, it felt like we had known each other for years. That connection made everything so easy and natural—nothing felt staged or awkward. She created such a calm, comfortable atmosphere, allowing us to truly be ourselves.
And then we received our photos… and we both cried happy tears. Reliving our day through her lens was nothing short of magical. Every moment, every emotion, every tiny detail was captured so perfectly. These are memories we will treasure forever, preserved in the most beautiful, heartfelt way.
Niko is not just a photographer—she is an artist, a storyteller, and someone who pours her heart into every moment she captures. We will be forever grateful. (I am crying tears as I write this! Haha) thank you for everything x
”
Home is Anywhere With You
No matter where in the world you choose to celebrate, any place can feel like home when you’re surrounded by the people who matter most. There’s something incredibly magical about witnessing loved ones travel from near and far to gather in one place, sharing laughter and stories together.
Celebrating two people and the ones who love them is a rare and beautiful experience—one that, for many families and friends, only happens once in a lifetime. Long after the suitcases are unpacked, it’s those shared memories that stay with you. The warm hugs, the happy tears, and the quiet in-betweens all become part of your story. Having those moments preserved means you can return to them again and again, holding onto the feeling of that day, no matter how much time passes.
Whether you’re getting married in Thailand, Europe, or somewhere else across the globe, I would be truly honoured to document your moments so you can keep them with you for life. Please explore my Thailand wedding photography packages or get in touch so we can start dreaming together.
